Car parking spaces could be painted green to promote the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced.

The Cabinet minister said local authorities could be given guidance on ways of highlighting dedicated parking spots for greener cars, the Cabinet minister said.

Other potential measures to encourage people to make the switch from conventionally-fuelled vehicles include installing more chargepoints at supermarkets and tourist sites, and developing batteries that can charge in six minutes.

Mr Shapps, who owns an EV, said: “Whether you’re taking a trip with the family or commuting to work, with the wide range of models at competitive prices it is now more cost-effective and convenient than ever to drive and charge an electric vehicle.

“This, together with our continued support for R&D (research and development), will see talented UK-based SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) flourish, as well as more than 6,000 skilled jobs created up and down the country.

“This is why, on the world’s first ever day dedicated to celebrating electric vehicles, I’m delighted to announce our unwavering support for a cleaner, greener transport future.”

An AA poll found nearly half of drivers are considering buying an EV when they next change their car.

Pure electric vehicles took a 4% share of the new car market during the first eight months of the year, compared with 1.1% during the same period in 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said “things are definitely moving in the right direction” when it comes to demand for greener vehicles.

He said installing more and faster chargepoints at convenient locations “makes a lot of sense” and while green parking spaces “could be an alluring prospect for some to go electric”, he does not believe they will be “the strong trigger the Government wants”.

He went on: “Drivers continue to tell us that the biggest barrier to them opting for an electric car over one fuelled by petrol or diesel is the upfront cost.

“There is a genuine interest among drivers to go electric, but to take that leap of faith the Government might need some bolder fiscal action to nudge them across the zero-emission line.”

On Tuesday, car-maker Ford called for the creation of a “minister for electrification” after publishing research suggesting there is widespread confusion around EVs.

The Department for Transport will roll out green number plates across the UK this autumn to highlight that which vehicles are emission-free.

To mark last week’s release of the new 70 registration plates, Nissan dealers showed customers what their cars could look like with a green plate.